On the Relationship Between Menière's Disease and Endolymphatic Hydrops

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neuroscience
• Inner Ear Physiology

Background:

• The relationship between Meniere's disease and endolymphatic hydrops remains debated.
• Some cases of endolymphatic hydrops present without classic Meniere's symptoms, leading to the epiphenomenon hypothesis.
• Conversely, evidence links endolymphatic hydrops' mechanical effects to auditory dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically appraise the evidence linking endolymphatic hydrops and Meniere's disease.
• To evaluate the histopathologic data supporting the epiphenomenon hypothesis.
• To determine if endolymphatic hydrops is a defining feature of Meniere's disease.

Main Methods:

• Critical appraisal of existing literature.
• Review of histopathologic data.
• Analysis of evidence for mechanical effects on cochlear function.

Main Results:

• Endolymphatic hydrops likely causes auditory symptoms in Meniere's disease, especially those affected by mechanical manipulation.
• Meniere's disease may represent a spectrum of hydropic inner ear disease, including cases without vertigo.
• The association between endolymphatic hydrops and Meniere's disease is robust.

Conclusions:

• Endolymphatic hydrops is a significant factor in Meniere's disease symptomatology.
• Meniere's disease should be viewed as part of a broader spectrum of hydropic conditions.
• Endolymphatic hydrops is a defining characteristic and diagnostic target for Meniere's disease.